Laura suddenly realized something. According to the housekeeper, Simon hadn't brought Hailey back here since Laura had left.How else could the housekeeper have mistaken someone else for his fiancée if Hailey had been here? For some reason, Laura beamed at the realization.After sending the housekeeper away, she headed to the kitchen to start cooking. In the past, Laura had never cooked a meal in her life since she was born with a silver spoon. But after being with Simon, he demanded she prepare his outfits and cook the dishes he liked. He even signed her up for a training course where she spent three months learning domestic skills. It was as if her entire existence revolved around him and she had to do everything to please him. Simon had turned a pampered young woman who never lifted a finger like her into someone who had to tread carefully every day, learning to read his moods. Laura couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness at this. ... An hour later, Simon re
Simon knew Laura was a master of playing innocent. Maybe she was even secretly cursing him in her mind right now. Yet she stubbornly held the cherry near his mouth. She pouted. "My hand is getting sore, Mr. Moore." Simon finally let out an amused laugh. "Your hand is sore from just this? What else can I even count on you for?"Laura blushed as memories of their past flashed through her mind. She stood up abruptly, deciding not to keep trying to appease him. Just as she was about to turn away, Simon suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. Laura's heart raced as she sat stiffly in his lap, not daring to push him away. Simon murmured, "Weren't you just trying to feed me fruit?"Laura's face flushed a deep red as she shakily held the cherry up to his lips. This time, Simon ate it but immediately frowned. "It's sour." Laura weakly responded, "I tried one earlier, and it was sweet." In the next moment, Simon cupped the back of her head, and the swee
Laura blushed instantly. She quickly corrected herself. "I… I know you and I are worlds apart. I'd never dare to think of becoming your wife. Only Ms. Brooks is worthy of that. Me? Forget about it!"Simon frowned.Laura thought he was offended by the term and quickly smiled. "Mr. Moore, I promise to stay as far away as possible as long as you help me complete this interview. I won't ever interfere in your relationship with Ms. Brooks. I swear!" Simon didn't know Laura was throwing her self-respect out the window when she said this. But Laura masked her feelings too well. Simon couldn't see how difficult it was for her to utter those words. All he heard was her relentless attempt to push him away and sever ties with him completely. She still wouldn't ask him for anything even when she was at her lowest point. True. Laura had pinned all her hopes on Lionel. Why would she harbor any feelings for him? But the proud Simon refused to mention Lionel. He would never let her think
Thus, Laura and Simon finally reached an agreement, and she managed to fulfill her editor-in-chief's expectations.…The next day, Laura submitted her interview draft to the editor-in-chief, whose face lit up with delight. "Oh, Laurie, you're truly the star of our news department!" The editor-in-chief immediately instructed the team to publish the interview and clapped his hands. "This is great! The collapsed bridge caused many casualties, so the public is concerned about the individual responsible for the construction. It's all thanks to you that we got some insider information from Mr. Moore! Don't worry, I'll make sure to highlight your contributions to the higher-ups by the end of the month." Laura waved it off. "I don't care if you give me credit. But you did say before that the bonus would be doubled, right?"The chief nodded. "Not just double, I'll triple it this time!" When Laura left the chief's office, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing how thrilled
By the time Laura arrived at the restaurant, Lionel was already there. Like Simon, Lionel was dressed in a suit. However, Laura thought he lacked Simon's charm."Sorry, Mr. Fowler. I was stuck in traffic," Laura apologized. "Have you been waiting long?" Lionel smiled. "I just got here."Then, he brought out a bouquet of white roses from behind him. "This is for you." Laura was stunned, staring at him without reaching out to take them. Sensing her hesitation, Lionel quickly explained, "I passed by a flower shop earlier and noticed how beautiful these roses were. They reminded me of you, so I bought them. Do you not like them, Ms. Scott?" Laura reluctantly accepted the flowers and awkwardly thanked him. She was confused. Her relationship with Lionel was purely professional. So, why would he suddenly give her flowers? Lionel handed her the menu. "Please order something." "I'll just have whatever you order, Mr. Fowler," Laura said. All her thoughts were focused on
Laura lied, "No, my friend lives there." Lionel already had a good idea of the truth but pretended not to know. He dropped her off at the destination."Thank you, Mr. Fowler. I'll leave my father's case in your hands," Laura said before stepping out of the car. Lionel stared at her retreating figure thoughtfully. Then, he pulled out his phone and texted Simon: "I've safely dropped Ms. Scott off. Shouldn't you thank me, Mr. Moore?"…In the living room, Simon's gaze darkened at the provocative message. Not long after, Laura returned, carrying a bouquet of white roses. When Simon saw the flowers in her hands, his expression hardened.Laura didn't think much of it. She set the bouquet aside and changed into her slippers. "Have you had dinner yet? I'll go and prepare the clothes you need for tomorrow if you've already eaten." "No," Simon spoke coldly from the couch. "I'm paying you 50 thousand dollars a month. So, hurry up and cook!" Laura took a deep breath and force
Laura bit her lip. She knew Simon was a master at humiliation. He never needed to use crude words to hit where it hurt the most. She retorted, "Mr. Fowler isn't like a certain someone who takes advantage of others! He's the most upright lawyer I've ever met"Although she appeared to be opposing him, Simon wasn't as angry as before. He must have realized that someone with Laura's personality probably wouldn't be won over by a few bouquets of flowers.He smirked. "Well then, I wish you all the best in rescuing your father!"Laura smiled. "Don't worry, my father's case is progressing smoothly!" After finishing the dishes, Laura let out a long sigh of relief. "Now, can I finally leave?" Simon glanced at the time. It was nearly midnight, and the dark sky outside made even him feel uneasy. He tossed her his car keys. "Take my car. Let me know once you're home." Laura took the keys, her confusion and surprise evident. Simon cleared his throat. "Don't overthink it. I'm just
Lionel had a feeling that Simon was interested in Laura. Yet when he tested the waters by messaging Simon yesterday, he didn't manage to provoke him. And Simon seemed completely calm when he brought up Laura. Was Laura nothing more than a pastime for Simon? If that were the case, then Lionel would lose his only leverage against Simon. Without any weaknesses to exploit, how could he ever compete with Simon in Haven City?Lionel reflected on his rivalry with Simon, which stretched all the way back to their university days. Simon was as cunning as a fox. Even if he did have feelings for Laura, he would never easily reveal them in front of Lionel.Lionel narrowed his eyes and began formulating a plan. If Laura truly was Simon's Achilles' heel, then Lionel could also hold Simon by the tail by keeping Laura firmly in his grasp. …Laura was at her desk, working on an article when a group of dessert shop servers suddenly entered the newsroom.They handed out afternoon tea to every
After visiting Harry, Simon left the prison with a heavy heart.He drove along a mountain road, letting the cool air blow against his face. He smoked a few cigarettes to clear his mind before finally heading home.It was late when he got back. Laura was in the kitchen trying to make something to eat. Simon sighed and walked over. "Go rest. I'll handle this."He took the ladle from her and began cooking.Laura didn't leave. Instead, she stood to the side, lost in thought. When had Simon started becoming this gentle? He used to be so distant and untouchable.She had been with him for five years, yet she had never known he could cook.Deep down, Laura wished he stayed the same cold and unreachable figure. At least then, she could keep her feelings in check.Simon asked, "Why aren't you resting?""I… I've been lying down all day. I just wanted to stand for a bit." She came up with an excuse. After a brief pause, she hesitantly asked, "Did you smoke?"Simon only then noticed the
Harry finally realized Simon had orchestrated everything. He had believed the Jensens were the mastermind behind this.Suddenly, thoughts of his daughter flooded his mind. He tried to stand up and confront Simon, but the handcuffs and shackles restrained him, forcing him to remain seated.Harry glared at Simon. "What have you done to my daughter? Tell me! What exactly have you done to her?"Simon smirked. "Nothing much. I simply taught her how to serve me, please me, and keep me happy."Harry's heart dropped. The thought of his daughter, whom he had lovingly raised and cherished, reduced to Simon's plaything after his imprisonment, tore his heart to pieces.It was a fate worse than death. "You! What happened to your father back then was my fault! I take full responsibility!" Harry's voice trembled, "But Laura is innocent. I beg you, let her go. Don't hurt her! You can kill me if you want. I'm begging you. Please, let Laura go!" Simon gazed at the desperate man before him. Ye
It was as if Simon blamed Laura for always asking stubborn questions.Their relationship was far from normal. He didn't understand why she insisted on getting to the bottom of everything.Laura's heart dropped. She returned to the bedroom, feeling utterly lost. Her heart ached. Simon was the most ruthless, selfish, and self-serving man she had ever met.Everything she had endured last night seemed insignificant to him. What mattered to him was that his mother hadn't caused her death, sparing him from any trouble.Around noon, Simon entered the bedroom.Laura was sitting on the rocking chair by the window, staring outside. The once-proud Laura now carried a sense of melancholy.Simon's heart tightened seeing her pale face. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't his strong suit. He was too prideful for that.Still, he walked over to her and stroked her hair. "Don't take what I said to my mother earlier to heart. It wasn't aimed at you. Laura, you've been with me for five years. I thoug
Simon's words comforted Laura.After finishing the soup, she burrowed back under the covers. She peeked out to gaze at Simon, who was working on the couch. She could never get enough of him no matter how long she looked.Even though she knew she was being pathetic, she couldn't help herself. She was charmed by Simon. Every move he made exuded the poise and charisma of a mature man. Especially when he was focused on his work, it always stirred a sense of admiration in her.Eventually, drowsiness took over, and she drifted off to sleep again. She wasn't sure how long she slept. But later, she groggily heard Simon's voice as he spoke on the phone.Simon was on the balcony, talking to Fiona. Fiona feigned innocence. "How would I know she was on the balcony? I just noticed it was about to rain and wanted to close the balcony door for you."Simon's tone sharpened. "Mom, there's no point in making these excuses. We're mother and son. I can see right through you. If you pull another st
Laura understood Simon was technically still single since he wasn't married yet. She could still deceive herself and live in denial. But he would become someone else's husband once he married. Would she want to be his mistress?If it came to that, even she would despise herself.Simon hummed. "You can decide for yourself when that time comes. You can leave if you don't want to stay with me. But my promise will be void. You'd better believe me when I say, only I can save your father."Looking at Simon's emotionless face, Laura suddenly realized how cruel and cold-hearted he truly was. The feelings she thought they shared, the love and devotion she had poured her heart and youth into, were but a transaction in his eyes.Laura nodded. "Then let's set a deadline. I'll give you one year. If, after one year, my father's case remains unchanged, then we'll… cut ties."Simon replied calmly, "Fine, as you wish. Now get some rest."Only then did Laura close her eyes and stop resisting his t
Simon didn't give Laura any chance to react. He took a sip and then lowered his head before capturing her lips.Laura's eyes widened as Simon forced her to swallow the soup. She pounded on his shoulders before Simon let her go.He demanded, "I'll have no choice but to feed you like this if you don't drink the soup and take your medicine."Laura glared at him, her face flushed with both anger and embarrassment. She grabbed the bowl and downed the soup in one go. Then, she took the cold medicine he handed her.Simon finally relaxed and tucked her in. "Sleep."But how could Laura possibly fall asleep? Especially when Simon lay down beside her, pulling her into his embrace. She gritted her teeth. "Can you not touch me? I'm begging you. Don't touch me!"Simon didn't respond. He held her tightly, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of her pajamas.Later, he noticed Laura was trembling and thought she was cold.When he turned her to face him, he realized her eyes were red, an
A sharp pain pierced Simon's chest. In the next instant, he held Laura tightly, as though trying to shield her from the cold. But still, she trembled uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he rushed to fill the bathtub with warm water and slowly placed her into it.Simon stroked Laura's pale face, then gently instructed, "Stay in the bath for a while. I'll make you some peppermint tea. If you start running a fever later, we might need to go to the hospital."Having said that, he turned to leave the bathroom. But as soon as he closed the door, he heard her crying.Simon froze in his tracks, then turned and rushed back in. He quickly undressed and stepped into the tub before pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Laurie. I'm so sorry I came home so late," he apologized in a hoarse voice. "I-I didn't know they would—""Go away! Don't touch me!"Laura shoved him away with all her strength. Her voice broke as she screamed, "While you were happily spending time with your family, I was
As soon as Simon finished speaking, he froze. He had repeated what Laura had told him that day, almost exactly.He was a lawyer. Yet, his response was far from professional. Laura's words and actions had crept into his thoughts without him even realizing it. The realization unsettled him, leaving him feeling irritated.Meanwhile, William avoided Simon's gaze, guilt written all over his face. "Why are you bringing this up again? I've already told you. Those people came from some poor countryside. They don't deserve one million dollars."Besides, who in the right mind would complain about having too much money? If I can settle this with 200 thousand dollars, why should I pay a million? Didn't you say you found evidence to clear Brooks Group of most of the responsibility?"Simon had indeed found such evidence. That crucial piece meant Nick's family couldn't demand much compensation. Yet, a tightness gripped his chest, as if something unseen was pressing down on him. For some reaso
Fiona fixed her gaze on Simon, then replied, "Tell me honestly. Do you really only see Laura as the daughter of our enemy? If so, why do you keep putting off your engagement to Hailey?"Is there something else on your mind? Let me warn you. If you've developed any sympathy for that bitch, I'll end my life right in front of you!"Simon's heart sank as he heard that. He could clearly see the unwavering determination in her eyes. He would never doubt Fiona's words. After all, it was Harry who had caused Anthony's death, and that had shattered her life completely.The humiliation and torment Fiona had once endured flooded Simon's mind. He clenched his fists, unwilling to dwell on it any longer.He knew that Fiona would never accept Laura. The incident was something Fiona could never get over. Suddenly, she became agitated and grabbed Simon's arm tightly. Her voice was desperate as she demanded, "Tell me now. Do you have feelings for that bitch? Answer me!""Mom, calm down. I promi